Levelling the Playing Field is delighted to welcome Pat Benson Boxing Academy as a new specialist partner in the West Midlands.
Named after its founder in the early 1960s, Pat Benson Boxing Academy runs a variety of sport and education programmes to build young people’s physical and mental health, confidence, resilience and self-esteem, as well as foster community cohesion.
Now led by Pat’s grandson Paddy Benson, a former international boxer, the academy runs projects with schools, alternative provisions, community groups and individuals to support participants on a journey to achieve their goals inside and outside the ring.
When a young person is referred to the Academy’s Youth Development programme – typically by police, offending agencies, social services, schools, Birmingham Children’s Trust – the first priority is setting boundaries and goals.
“Straight away we home in on their personal development – What time do you call this? Have you come dressed to train? Put your phone away!” explains Programme Manager Leah Harris.
“It’s a ‘tough love’ approach that appeals to young people. It’s a male-dominated environment and the coaches aren’t going to sit you down, put their arm around your shoulder and ask how your day has been.
“They know why you’re here and they have a technique, steeped in the boxing culture, of teasing certain things out. It’s very much, ‘Great to have you, you’re now part of the family, now let’s get on with the session.’”
The Academy never turns anyone away (even taking steps to accommodate local postcode rivalries between participants). They work with participants and their families towards specific goals such as qualifications, apprenticeships, volunteering, employment or housing solutions for those affected by homelessness.
Funded by BBC Children in Need, the Academy’s Youth Development Programme has worked with over 1500 young people in the last eight years.
- 91% reported a positive experience
- 83% improved their self-confidence
- 90% experienced improvements in their health
- 11% progressed to compete in some form of boxing competition
- Over 600 have been diverted away from serious involvement in gang activity
Based in the ethnically diverse but deprived area of Digbeth, Birmingham, Pat Benson Boxing Academy is an ideal fit as a special partner in achieving Levelling the Playing Field’s common goals:
- Increase the number of ethnically diverse children taking part in sport and physical activity
- Prevent and divert ethnically diverse children from becoming involved in the Criminal Justice System
Academy staff are about to begin a new programme with 20 young people in custody who are within six months of the end of their sentences. Combining their boxing programme with housing support, they hope to be able to positively impact on their re-introduction to society and rehabilitation. “We want them to go on a positive journey with us,” says Leah.
The Academy’s staff team includes several coaches who have come through the youth programmes themselves – inspiring role models for those who want to follow the same path.
“What we have learned over the years is that having high-quality partners is absolutely crucial,” says Leah. “We are looking forward to working with Levelling the Playing Field and contributing to a national movement for positive change.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PAT BENSON BOXING ACADEMY, VISIT THEIR WEBSITE, OR FOLLOW THEM ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.